“And me at their head.  Is it not so, Maria?” inquired the youth.

“Yes, and you at their head, dear Ronayne,” repeated Miss Heywood; “to no one sooner would I be indebted for my father’s safety, as no one would, I am sure, more cheerfully attempt his deliverance.”

The young American mused a moment, and then rejoined, despondingly; “Were these men at my disposal, Maria, how gladly would I hasten to encounter every difficulty, the removal of which would spare your gentle bosom those pangs; but you know Headley would never permit it.  His prudence is a mania, and even were he to yield his consent—­let me not sustain you with delusive hopes—­I fear it would be too late.”

“God’s will be done,” she ejaculated, as the large tears fell trickling down her pallid cheeks, “but what will become of my poor and now nearly death-stricken-mother, when she hears of this?”

“The blow is indeed a fearful one, but act, I pray you, with courage.  Consider, too, your own safety.  No one knows the force of the Indians, or how soon they may be here.  Go in, dearest, prepare what you may more immediately require for a few days, and my men will carry your trunks down to the scow which is waiting to receive you.”

“And if I should consent to go, Ronayne, you know my poor mother cannot rise from her bed.  What do you propose to do with her?  To remove her, and let her know why she is removed, would soon finish the work her debilitating disease has begun.”

“I have made every necessary provision,” answered the young officer, glad to find that her thoughts could be diverted from the immediate source of her sorrow.  “Elmsley’s wife, to whom I spoke a few hurried words on leaving, is even now preparing for your temporary reception, and I have thought of an excuse to be given to your mother.  You must for once in your life use deceit, and say that Van Vottenberg desires her presence in the fort, because his duties have become so severe that he can no longer absent himself to bestow upon her that professional care she so much requires.  Nay, look not so incredulous.  I am aware that the pretext is a meagre one, but I cannot at present think of a better; and in her enfeebled state she will not dwell upon the strangeness of the plea.  Go on then, I entreat you, and desire Catherine to collect what you will want, while my men carry to the scow such articles of furniture as will be most useful to you in your new quarters.  Quick, dear Maria, I implore you, there has already been too much time lost, and I expect every moment an order from Headley to return immediately.”